Fall is a season to celebrate
By Jillian Chandler
It’s official! Fall is here, with its cooler weather and shorter days, accompanied by the beautiful fall hues of reds and golds. To celebrate the season’s harvest, and all that’s wonderful about autumn, be sure to head downtown in Coeur d’Alene, where you can enjoy a day of all things fall!
It’s Fall Fest for the Kootenai County Farmers Market. Though the last downtown market of the season took place last month, you have one more opportunity to shop goods from local vendors along Fifth Street at Sherman Avenue, with delightful offerings to include seasonal fresh vegetables, with pumpkins, gourds and winter squash taking center stage. There’s bound to be a variety of fall-inspired baked goods as well. “Fall specialties include caramel apples, pumpkin bread and treats, hot apple cider and more,” shares Natalie Selbe, market manager for Kootenai County Farmers Markets. There will be about 55 to 60 vendors—so you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.
“We encourage our customers to attend to support locally owned businesses and producers,” Natalie adds. “We’ll have great fresh, local produce, awesome and unique crafts and gifts, treats and candy, ready-to-eat hot food, and more.”
In addition to the vendors, there will be activities for all ages to enjoy. “We love to see the customers (and pets!) in costume and will ask the vendors to bring candy for trick or treating if they want to participate,” shares Natalie. There will also be a fall photo booth set up for photo opportunities.
The festive fall fun happens on Saturday, October 30, kicking off at 10am and concluding at 3pm.
Each year, in conjunction with Harvest Fest, is Apple Fest. Though details had yet to be released as of press time regarding this year’s event (other than the date), Apple Fest, which is presented by the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, is all about what its name implies—apple! This tasting extravaganza takes place throughout downtown at participating businesses, restaurants and shops, where attendees will enjoy tasty apple-inspired bites, ranging from savory to sweet, with the chance to vote for your favorite. Visit CdADowntown.com or Facebook.com/DowntownCoeurdAlene as the event nears to find out more.
“We’d love to see the public downtown at the Harvest Fest and feel there’s something for everyone,” smiles Natalie.